DUBLIN midfielder Barry Cahill has announced his retirement from inter-county football

The 2011 All-Ireland winner has decided to quit Jim Gavin’s panel ending his 12-year association with the Dublin senior football team.

An All-Star winner in 2007, Cahill, won eight Leinster titles with the Dubs as well as an All-Ireland two years ago under Pat Gilroy.

He also had the honour of captaining the Dublin Under-21s to a Leinster title in 2002.

Cahill won the Dublin Senior Football Championship with St. Brigid's in 2011 and was named as the Evening Herald Dub Stars Footballer of the Year for that year.

“Having reflected on my position over the past few months I wish to announce my retirement from inter-county football,” the 31 year old revealed.

“It is not a decision I have taken lightly; wearing the Dublin jersey has been of paramount importance in my life for over a decade. I was privileged to play for Dublin and the experience of winning an All-Ireland medal in 2011 will be one I will cherish forever.

“However, having played 11 championship seasons with Dublin, I now feel the time is right to hang up my inter-county boots. I must also consider the development of my career outside of football.

“I will continue to play football with St Brigid’s and am delighted to focus my efforts with my club who, having nurtured me as a young player, have always supported me with my commitment to county football.

“I was fortunate to play alongside some fantastic footballers and make some great friends during my career.

“I would like to thank all those who supported me during that period, in particular the three Dublin managers under whom I played; all contributed to my development both as a player and indeed a person. There were many others behind the scenes, backroom staff, medical teams and officials who worked on our behalf and I would like to extend my thanks to them all.

“Dublin have incredible supporters and I am very grateful to them for the encouragement they always gave to me and my team mates, in both good and bad times.

“Behind every player is a network of support and fundamental to that group is my own family and my wife Suzie. I would like to thank them sincerely for everything.

“Finally I would like to wish Jim Gavin and his Dublin squad the very best of luck for the season ahead.”